=| ° ie) =| = eS) = = — ae [=a] > oa uo} ” ) = oO i ° osEveryone Gets to Play Copyright ©2008 by Christy Wimber Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture verses taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of The Holy Bible. Copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved Scripture verses marked (NASB) taken from the NEW AMERICAN STAN- DARD BIBLE@, Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture verses denoted as being taken from The Message, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy- ing, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review. ISBN: 978-0-9817705-7-4 Printed in the United States of America Requests for information should be addressed to: Ampelon Publishing PO Box 140675 Boise, ID 83714 To order other Ampelon Publishing, products, visit us on the web at: www.ampelonpublishing.com Cover & inside design: Lisa Dyches — cartwheelstudios.com Printed on post-consumer recycled paperCONTENTS FOREWORD by Bill Johnson... . PROLOGUE by David Pysches...:. 0.6 ss ee 14 Laying All Down for Jesus CHAPTER TWO 23 Learning to Love Cost of Commitment see . Maturing in Christ OEP RORIN hs 12 5 3s an ee ee 4 What Does God Say about Money: Teach us to Pray oie, SS, ie Family Talk Becoming a Good Churchman CHAPTER NINE ive Power Evangelism CHAPTER TEN... si i a ec 132 What about Hardship & Death? CHAPTER ELEVE 147 Leaders with a Limp CONCLUSION 163 An Interview with John Wimber APPENDIX A: Praying in the Spirit ........... 175 APPENDIX B: ing Fallen LeadersIntroduction n this second compilation of John’s writings, there is a theme of the importance of continuing to grow up in Christ and participat- ing in Kingdom work. Whether in family or ministry life, we are called to “press on towards Him,” ever becoming more like the one we call King. John, known for many of his catchy one-liners, would often say, “Everyone gets to play!” In fact this was one of his most famous sayings, referring to the whole body of Christ, finding their place within the body; this was close to his heart. This came from a man who was an accomplished musician, who was a part of a legendary rock band [Righteous Brothers], who was a pastor, evangelist, teacher, worship leader, songwriter, and leader of a Christian Movement [the Vineyard]. Everyone wanted to see John lead worship; to hear John preach; to have John lead the ministry times; but more often than not, John would grab someone that no one else would have picked, and he’d pull them up onto the stage and give them the opportunity to take a risk! There was a time early on in ministry, where John was leading rather large meetings around the world, where signs and wonders were follow- ing him wherever he ministered. At one point, he said to his wife Carol, “I can either get a tent and have a huge revival where I can do this by myself, or I can release it to the people, and equip them to play.” He chose the latter. And sure enough one of John’s legacies is that he not only loved “doin’ the stuff” himself, but loved it even more when every- one around was also participating. [t put the ministry back into the hands of the people, rather than the focus being on himself. John not only spoke about everyone getting to play, but he lived it. Time and time again people will tell you how John would take them along, and loving- ly encourage, and oftentimes push them into taking risk for God! Personally, Iam where I am today because John noticed what was on my life; took me in, and allowed me to “play” all around the world! May it continue ... and what a privilege to once again participate in passing on the heritage we have been so richly given. — Christy WimberForeword n 1987 I attended two John Wimber conferences in Anaheim, California. They had great impact on my life, but not necessarily in ways you might think. After the first one, I actually went home dis- couraged. Oh, not because it wasn’t good. It was wonderful! Irs just that I had taught everything I heard that week. Literally every teaching given I had taught verbatim. I found it very puzzling that I had even used some of the same illustrations, which I had thought were unique to me. I came hoping to get new insights to unlock the area of signs and wonders that had been so outside my grasp. While it certainly was affirming to have the same teachings taught by these great leaders of the Vineyard movement, it was disheartening, too. Why? Because the bot- tom line was, I had good teaching, and John Wimber and company had good fruit. During that week many miracles happened before my eyes. Besides a number of healings, I saw a gentleman go through a major deliverance right in the second row. Those who ministered to him were so kind and gentle, always working to protect his dignity. It amazed me. These were things that fit nicely in my theology, but never in my experience. So most of what I did that week was watch. I needed to see normal, everyday people doing the stuff that Jesus did. Although I initially left discouraged, I went home with a new resolve to pray for the sick. Something strange happened, and I'm not sure exactly when. I started praying for people, and they started getting touched by the power of God. And some of them actually got healed. ‘This was completely new for me. While I had seen Kathryn Kuhlman a few times and was always impressed by her, I knew I couldn’t mimic her life and ministry. Neither could I copy any of the great revivalists from the 50’s that my family had been so impacted by. I didn’t have their gifts or their unique experiences with God. But what John put in front of us that week could be modeled by anyone. Finally, I felt qualified. John Wimber is one of my heroes. Very few people have had an impact on the Church as a whole equal to his. John’s influence would be impossible to measure on this side of eternity. He loved the Church inJOHN wWIMBER all her unique forms, and as a result was welcomed by various streams that were not known for what he brought to the table. You might say God trusted him with some of His choicest people who had not yet dis- covered that the goodness of God also brought healing to the body and mind as well as the heart. He would probably say he was ill-qualified for all that he accom- plished, but in some ways that’s what qualified him. He was never impressed with himself or his pedigree. He knew that anything good that happened in his life was entirely God. That’s what makes this book such a treasure. It gives us an unusual look into the mind of a signs-and- wonders man. It reveals his priorities for daily living and his quest for God. It shows where his heart ached the most and what really brought him joy. From the issues of family life and marriage, to the importance of faithfulness in life and ministry, this book speaks to the practical side of life. It is a must read. It is refreshing to see inside the heart and mind of a true revivalist. John Wimber was a man who wanted to be like Jesus icism— more than anything else. All the rest—be it miracles or public came with this ultimate quest. Bill Johnson Pastor, Bethel Church, Redding, CA 10EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY Prologue ohn Wimber brought a team to Chorleywood, Herts, England in 1981. We had never even met or heard him before. We knew not what to expect. It was an unforgettable weekend of amazing bless- ing. Most previous visi then taken them home with them. John came with his ministry and left ing speakers had come with their ministries and it with us—he came not only to teach us of the “now and not yet” of the Kingdom of God, but he showed us how healings and miracles were signs of its coming-signs that could be expected to follow such teaching (Hebrews 2:4). He taught about evangelizing, about the gifts of the Spirit-prophecy and tongues, etc—about loving the whole church, about going out to the poor and needy with ministries of mercy. He taught about church planting and church leadership. Mary and I loved him and felt very honoured to be made so welcome year after year, for well over a decade, in their home at Yorba Linda John’s background as a successful Californian pop-musician, a Quaker evangelist and minister, a Fuller seminary lecturer and international church counselor was unique. His preaching style was laid-back and humourous, his images were captivating and original, his personality folksy, engagingly warm and humble. His substance was biblical, timely ing to and culturally relevant, his message was Christ-centred and glori God, his prayer was “Come Holy Spirit!” He was a joyful risk-taker for the Lord. What an inspiring model and faith builder for any Christian to want to follow! He left our church with a real tingle factor! He sowed our people with seed-thoughts that we watched grow and flourish. New testimonies, new visions, new resources and new energies followed. Our Faith Sharing teams took the challenges on board and were wonderfully used by God as they went out to churches across the country and the world. At home we began encouraging leaders from other churches in every way we could, and in time, started week-long residential New Wine conferences (across the UK and abroad) designed for church leaders and church families. These grew by the thousands year after year. Out of them were spawned the Soul Survivor conferences for youth and their leaders. These also began to attract their thousands 1lJOHN wWIMBER annually from many denominations. A support network has grown up across the country. New song-leaders emerged whose songs have gone round the world. Clergy retreats and central day rallies for women have been convened. All this without even mentioning the encouraging growth of the Vineyard Christian Fellowships in the UK under their own organization—-To God be the Glory! Bishop David Pytches The Anglican Communion 12EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY Oe LAYING ALL DOWN FOR JESUS “THE GREATER THE SACRIFICE, THE GREATER THE POWER THAT IS RELEASED.”first met the principle of Christian sacrifice at Gunner Payne’s Bible study, before T became a Christian. T can s ill remember the night when I first heard the parable of the Pearl. My wife, Carol, and Gunner were talking on and on about some issuc, and I was sitting there, bored, not really paying attention. Then Gunner read the passage about the Pearl in the Gospel of Matthew and explained how it referred to our need to be willing to sacrifice everything in our lives for the king- dom: “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). That got my attention. “Hold on a second!” I interrupted. “Are you saying that to become a Christian somebody might have to give up everything he has?” “Well, what do you think the text means?” Gunner replied. “I’m not sure,” I said. “It sounds like it might mean that. But....” It took me a moment to collect my thoughts. “Well, I know a guy who is a musician. He docs- n’t know how to do anything but play music. I mean, this guy can’t even tie his own shoelaces. Are you saying he might have to give up his career in order to become a Christian? How else could he make a living?” “Your friend will have to work that one out for himself,” Gunner said, knowing of course that we were really talking about me. “But in my opinion, he has to be ready to give up his career because it’s a possibili- y.” After I had this encounter with the Lord about the Pearl and realized I didn’t care much about what God wanted from me, sure enough over the next few weeks God began to help me liquidate my assets. I prayed, “Okay, Lord, you can have my career,” and it was as though two giant hands came out of heaven and opened my fingers, and a voice said, “Thank you.” Isaid goodbye to my music friends and decided to get a regular job. Suddenly I was plunged into the real world, where alarm clocks go off, where people get up and go to work in broad daylight. I had never done this. In a matter of weeks I was working in a factory, clocking in and Icarning how to relate to normal people. One day Iwas assigned to clean 15JOHN wWIMBER some oil drums behind the factory. It was hot, filthy, smelly work. It was the most menial task they had, and the reason they had me doing it was that it was about the only thing I could do. I was down inside one of the oil drums when I heard a car drive up A familiar voice said, “Where’s John Wimber’s office?” Reluctantly [ came out. There stood one of my old partners from the music business. In his hand was a contract I had signed, and it was worth a lot of money. In order for him to fulfill it, I had to relinquish my part of it. He just stood there staring at me. I was a mess. I had grease all over me—my hands, my clothes, my face and my hair. Finally he said, “What are you doing here?” I looked at him, and then looked at myself; then I looked at him again, then at myself. I could see myself as I must have looked through his eyes. Right at that moment, I didn’t particularly feel as if I had the Pearl. I could not think of a single thing to say. After a long silence I answered him lamely, “God did this to me.” His eyes nar- rowed with a look of resolve, as if to say, “He’s never going to do that to me.” I felt ashamed. Obviously what I was doing with my life seemed to be utter foolish- ness to him. At that moment | could not think of a single persuasive explanation for why God—this As | watched my friend God of love, this God that is so drive away, | realized that sometimes there is no great in the Bible, this God that is so nice to so many peo- ple—was apparently being so way to explain obedience and sacrifice to God to those who do not see the Pearl. mean to me. Why had He chosen to treat me this way? As I watched my friend drive away, I realized that sometimes there is no way to explain obedience and sacri- fice to God to those who do not see the Pearl. My friend could not see any value at all in the humiliation of my flesh, in God taking me down from a lofty, worldly position and teaching me simple obedience. Since that day I have found that all through our lives, in our service to God and His people, we will be put in situations where others look atEVERYONE GETS TO PLAY us with disdain because our obedience and sacrifice to God doesn’t make any sense to them. But for those who have found the Pearl, it all makes perfect sense. We know that it is worth everything to follow Him, to walk with Him, to serve Him, to lose our lives for Him. It is worth sell- ing everything we own to gain Christ, and be found in Him. THE FRUIT OF OBEDIENCE Joln 14:21 says, “Whosoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him” Obedience deepens our intimacy with Jesus. If we want to know the Father, we must not only love Him, but also obey Him. Scripture is clear that it is important to know the Father through His Word, and if we want to be a part of what the Father is doing and to be able to see where He is moving, then it is clear that we must obey His commands. It’s important to not only be biblically literate, but we must also be biblical- ly obedient! Obedience to Christ shows that we know that He is God, and we are not. It shows we understand that God knows the best for us in all things. When it comes to His direction in our lives, for example, what we need to be careful of is not what could possibly hurt us, or what He has in store for us to a omplish, but rather that it’s a process of learning to trust and obey what He shows us. True happiness comes from letting God not only be our Savior but also our Lord. Obedience also releases the blessings of the kingdom. In Mark 10:28- 31, Peter says, “We have left everything to follow you!” And Jesus responds by saying, “I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or brothers and sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age, and in the age to come.” 17JOHN wWIMBER OBEDIENCE AND TRUST What is the difference between being totally committed and just hav- ing your “toe in the water,” so to speak? Trust and obedience. Trust and obedience must go hand-in-hand. That means in difficult, awkward and 5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own hard-to-understand circumstances, we choose to trust. Proverbs 2 understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” It’s one of the most important texts in the Bible for me. It’s some- thing I’ve gone back to a thousand times. In fact, trust is also an obedi- ence issue. We are commanded to trust the Lord. Therefore, total com- mitment to Jesus means trusting even when we don’t know the why’s or how’s of what’s happening all around us daily. TO LIVE IS CHRIST This is the ultimate goal: to be with Jesus forever whether in life or in death. for I know that Philippians 1:19 says, “Yes, I will continue to rej through your pray s and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will The Apostle Paul had turn out for my deliverance. I faced death many times. eagerly expect and hope that [ will in no way be ashamed but He wasn’t just spouting out theory, he was that now, as always, Christ will revealing the driving be exalted in my body, principle of his life. whether by life or by death.” The Apostle Paul had faced death many times. He wasn’t just spouting out theory; he was revealing will have sufficient courage so the driving principle of his life. In Philippians 1:21-26, Paul writes, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If am to go on living in the body this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ,EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY which is better by far, but it’s more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this I know that I will remain and I will contin- ue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith so that through my being with you again, your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” What a philosophy of life! What a profound impact that must have had on the Philippians as they read it! He was not careless or foolish. He wasn’t stupid! Paul recognized the enormity of the things he was saying; he was talking out of the context of having those beliefs tested again and again How many times had Paul been beaten, nearly drowned, starved and had his life threatened by people who could fulfill those threats? Yet he said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain,” understanding that when we enter into heaven it is then we will be free from the presence of sin and will be with Jesus forever. This is the ultimate goal: to be with Jesus forever. OFFER SELF, NOT JUST SERVICE Some Christians make the mistake of what I call outward obedience. They become focused on their acts of service as evidence of being obe- dient Christians. This kind of life does not provoke the level of disap- proval from some other Christians that a life of service founded on inti- mate love or passion will. Think about Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha worked her tail off getting a meal prepared for Jesus and was criticized by Mary. However, Martha complained to Jesus about Mary’s behavior. Martha was irritated that Mary put greater emphasis on loving and listening to her Lord than Martha did. When I think about this story, I imagine Martha complaining to Jesus fully expecting that Jesus would affirm her position. However, when Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part, Iam sure Martha saw her self-righteous attitude for the first time Of course, God has called us to give our lives to others, and we are to do it passionately, beginning with believers. We are also meant to reach out to and serve those God is drawing to Himself. Our time, money and 19aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY ed every realm of this world. It shook the foundations of the earth. It assaulted the religious realm, ripping open the temple veil from top to bottom, from heaven to earth. It even took on the greatest enemy of all, death, relea ing dead and rotting bodies from their tombs (Matthew 27:51-52). This power is available to us as we pick up our crosses daily (Matthew 16:24-25). Christian martyrdom _ illus- The greater the trates the relationship between sacrifice, the greater the sacrifice and power. The death of ‘ power that is released. Stephen, for instance, precipitat- ed a release of heavenly power that led to revival and the conversion of Paul (Acts 7:57-8:3). Christian martyrdom is not confined to ancient church history. On an average there are over 300,000 Christians mar- tyred each year in the twentieth century. Martyrdom is far from being the only form of sacrifice that releases God’s love and power. Excepting martyrdom, the highest form of sacri- fic be a special companion to Jesus. Jesus spoke of those who made them- selves eunuchs for the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:12), and Isaiah said that faithful eunuchs would have in God’s temple “a memorial and is celibac urity of marriage and family to forgoing the joy and s a name better than [that of] sons and daughters” (Isaiah 56:5). A per- son who is gifted and called to a life of celibacy is free from the normal distractions of marriage and family; he or she can be totally devoted to the things of the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). For those of us who are not called to celibacy, God has provided other means of sacrifice. At the top of the list stands prayer and fasting. The power released by prayer is truly amazing. Prayer is the instrument God will use to open or shut the heavens (James 5:16-18). When prayer is combined with fasting, whole armies can be defeated (1 Samuel 7:6-13, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30). Even the judgment of God on evil people can be turned back through prayer and fasting (1 Kings 21:27-29, Jonah 3:5- 10), and through it the power of the devil and his own demons is over- come (Matthew 4:1-11). Finally, giving money and material possessions to the poor and to God’s work is a powerful form of sacrifice. Giving that is motivated by 21aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.kh, Dro Learning to Love “WE'RE ALL JUST ONE VEGETABLE IN GOD'S STEW.” 23aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.One of the greatest legacies John left us is the importance of loving the whole Church. Towards the end of John’s life, he spoke of the importance of being a good churchman; however, one of the greatest traits John carried was instend of being “threatened” by the whole Church, be chose to love John wrote the following article, addressing leaders in the Vineyard, con- cerning the Vineyard Movement and the course between chaos and cradi- tional denominationalism that I believe is an important aspect of our foundation. Here is an excerpt from that article that also contains John’s strong belief in the unity in the Body of Christ. — Christy Wimber n 1984, the number of Vineyard churches was growing rapidly. We made the decision to formalize the structure that had evolved. Until then we really worked under Vineyard Ministries International, but VMI was a renewal organization, so we then formed AVC | Association of Vineyard Churches]. Historically, we probably became a denomina- tion when we incorporated AVC, appointed Regional overseers, called a board of directors and began ordaining ministers And because 99 percent of the churches have the word “Vineyard” in their name, and because of a unified identity, yes, we've become a denomination. Admittedly, I have mixed feelings about that. Years ago I talked about explorers and homesteaders in the Vineyard. I said at that time that explorers are radicals and usually spin out because they can’t stand the containment of an organization. Explorers seek adventure. Homesteaders, on the other hand, build community, leaving a heritage for future generations. Homesteaders use, need and create structure, and by the way, they also create wealth! A few explorers who started out with the movement have not stayed with it because they saw isted control. the encroachment of more structure, and they res As an organism, the Vineyard needs organization. Compare two life forms: an amocba and a human bedy. Which can accomplish more? 25aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY people and to prepare them for the fulfillment of the kingdom of God. In the New Testament, the concept of unity is pivotal to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of His Apostles. All who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior come together in a new community: the Church. All New Testament writers presume that to be “in Christ” is to belong to one fellowship [Greek: koinonia]. Jesus mandated this unity when at the Last Supper He interceded for His disciples, and all those who believe in Him “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” [John 17:21]. This unity manifested itself in the miracle of Pentecost [Acts 2] and the historic Council of Jerusalem [Acts 15] that worked out conflicts between Jewish and Gentile Christians. The early Church, however, was not entirely free from many tensions and conflicts that threatened unity. For example, tensions arose between Jewish Christian churches and Gentile Christian churches, and between Paul and the Judaizers. Even with diversity and conflicts, historian Paul A. Chow notes, “the early Christians remained of ‘one accord,’ visibly sharing the one Eucharist, accepting the ministries of the whole church, reaching out beyond their local situation in faith and witness with a sense of the uni- versal community that held all Christians together.” ‘As Paul taught the Ephesians, God’s supreme purpose is “to unite all things in Him [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” [Ephesians 1:10] Through centuries of sectarianism and fracturing, most Christians today allow differences to divide rather than appreciating and celebrat- ing our distinctions and diversity. Our relations as an extended family are typically clouded by distrust and disrespect. I want to relate to the whole Body of Christ. Biblical unity to me flows from learning to love what Jesus loves—learning to love the whole Body of Christ. When I cross paths with a brother or sister in a group or denomination different from my own, I want to fellowship based on our shared allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ. I want to see the Vineyard work through this question: “How can brethren major on the things we agree on, ignore the things we disagree on, and move forward togeth- 27aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY standing of Scripture may prevent us from endorsing certain doctrines without causing us to despise other traditions in the Body of Christ. All separation of the Body of Christ is unbiblical, whether denomina- tional or nondenominational. We need to be careful not to think more highly of the Vineyard than we ought, “...but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has give you” [Romans 12:3]. The Vineyard is simply an experiment ina long line of experiments to live out Christianity within the larger Church. We need to cultivate an attitude that rejoices in the unique contribu- tions various denominations, movements and traditions have made and currently make to the cause of Christ. THE DISEASE OF PHARISAISM As a committed Christian and minister for many years, there is noth- ing I want more than to be like Jesus! Each time I read the New Testament and see Jesus” compas- sion, wisdom and power as He) Yet along with my prayers interacts with people, I renew my d it of bei desire once again to be like Him and: PUrSOIE ef DEIN Yet along with my prayers and conformed to Jesus’ pursuit of being conformed to image have come a most Jesus’ image have come a most disturbing realization: on disturbing realization: on many . | occasions there is little resem- many occasions there is blance to Jesus in the way I treat little resemblance to people. Recently a woman who Jesus in the way I treat had been previously divorced phoned me and asked me to people. marry her and her fiancee. I responded with a thoroughly correct Biblical proof text and a swift “no.” She and her fiancé did get married, and he subsequently became a Christian, I had felt Twas safe and correct in my answer, but God corrected me. He impressed me with this thought: “You were wrong John. I had a plan for this man’s salvation, and you were supposed to be a part of it.” 31aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY This kind of love is based on commitment to God Himself. To be com- mitted to God is to be committed to His community, the Church. This is not a commitment to the theory of the Church, but to an actual body of other fallible, imperfect people Many of us treat church life like immature adolescents. From other Christians we want thrills, constant exhilaration and to have our needs met. When Christian brothers and sisters fall short of our expectations, when they are boring, imperfect : and fail to meet our needs for This is nota commitment strokes, we pout, turn away and to the theory of the be ourselves from them. Jesus Church, but to an actual calls us to mature commitment of a love for His people—the very body of other fallible, people in our fellowship! imperfect people. I have many fond memories and warm thoughts about the fellowship I was a part of as a baby Christian. It is true that the dear people who nursed me through Christian babyhood were not perfect. But their cardinal virtue was the fact that they consistently loved and accepted me even as an immature and messy baby Christian! Without their love and care I might have never made it through this crucial time. Like these kind and patient Christians, we need to learn how to keep people through love. Despite imperfections, sins and irri- tating habits of other Christians, they belong to Jesus, and they need our love as a healthy climate for growth. LOVE IN A JAR OF PEANUT BUTTER Over the years I can’t tell you how many times people have very kind- ly come up to me and said, “You are such a loving man.” Dye had to smile because for the first ten years of my Christian life that’s the num- ber one thing I prayed for. I prayed, “Lord, I don’t have any love for anybody but me, and I don’t even like me very much!” I realize that if there’s any love in me, it’s clearly the work of God. It’s something that God has produced because I haven’t done anything to make it happen, 35aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Lee The Cost of Commitment “BIG DECISIONS NEED BIG DIRECTIONS.” “OLD ORDERS ARE STANDING ORDERS UNTIL YOU GET NEW ORDERS.” 39aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY time we cross a new threshold, it costs us everything we now have. Every new step may cost us all the reputation and security we have accumulat- ed up to that point. It costs us our life. A disciple isa follower, an acolyte, a student, an apprentice. A disciple of Jesus is always ready to take the next step with Him. If there is any- thing that characterizes Christian maturity, it is the willingness to become a beginner again for Jesus Christ. It is the willingness to put our hand in His hand and say, “I’m scared to death, but I'll go with you. You're the Pearl of great price.” MEASURING A DISCIPLE What does a disciple look like? When I became a Christian at twenty- nine, I was not a good candidate for becoming a disciple of Jesus. For one thing, I was much more familiar with “bar” and “nightclub” life than with church life and etiquette. As a lounge musician I knew well the social dynamics of when a person was “out” or *in” with other patrons or lounge employees. However, | felt totally out of my clement in a church service, even referring to the ushers as “bouncers.” However, it wasn’t long before I had been well-schooled in the “rules” of church life according to my denomination. With an earnest desire to be Jesus’ dis- ciple, I determined to meet all the expectations of the leadership of my fellowship Over the last several years as a pastor and speaker at many church con- ferences, I have had the opportunity to closely observe pastors from some thirty denominations. I have spoken at some 400 pastors’ confer- ences. As a result, I have discovered that, without exception, each denomination has its “tests of fellowship.” These criteria determine whether a person is really “committed” or not. Among these “disciple- ship criteria” are these basi 1. Church attendance: a novice can get by with attending once a week, but a “mature” Christian will surely be in church twice on Sunday and at midweek prayer meeting. 2. Givin: 3. Service: A truly committed person is expected to serve the church One must tithe [give at least 10%] of his income. 43aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY not mean that a disciple is put in a learning relationship from which he can depart as a master or teacher. Following Jesus as disciple means the unconditional sacrifice of one’s whole life (Matthew 10:39; Luke 14:26f; Mark 3:31-35). To be a disciple of Jesus means, in Matthew particular- ly, to be bound to Jesus and to do God's will (Matthew 12:46-50). In the Gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus in action as a discipler, or trainer of men. We marvel at the practicality and effectiveness of His way of training. He uses a “show, tell and do” method of training. The entire book of Matthew can be divided into five books. Within each of these books there is both an instructive “tell” section and a narrative “show” section. After the large section of teaching in the first of the book, Jesus takes His disciples on a healing trip in Chapters 8 and 9. These chapters contain no less than nine accounts of miracles; in reaching out to people in need of healing and deliverance, Jesus is “showing” His disciples what the Kingdom is. Then in chapter 10, He commissions them to go and do the same things (Matt. 10:1, 7, 8a) Jesus’ way of training is much like a mother bird who teaches her babies to fly by first allowing them to try their own wings. His goal was to pass on, by example, the words and the works of the Kingdom to Training, then, is being people who would put them into equipped rather than action and eventually pass them educated. It is being training can be seen clearly in the formed as well as book of Acts as we see the disci- informed. ples of Jesus saying the words of onto others. The results of Jesus’ the Kingdom and doing the works of the Kingdom just as Jesus did before them. We see them preaching sermons in the power of the Holy Spirit and thousands being converted (Acts 2:14-41). We see them heal- ing the lame and the blind and delivering those tormented by evil spir- its. It is also evident that they were passing on the ministry by showing and telling a second generation of disciples like Phillip and Steven. Training, then, is being equipped rather than educated. It is being formed as well as informed. This is not to say we should be anti-educa- tional. There is a time and place to gain the theory and the theology 47aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY oo often Christians focus on gifts—natural and supernatural— and ignore character. But this bypasses a fundamental principle of the Christian life: gifts and abilities, no matter how magnifi- cent, are either limited or enhanced by character. I find this phenomenon to be very widespread among Christians. In fact, it was a great stumbling block to my coming into the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the main reasons [ used to resist speaking in tongues was that I didn’t like a lot of the tongue-speakers I had met! Gifts are to character as adornments are to a body. Beautiful adorn- ments, such as jewelry and fine clothing, look good on a beautiful body. But when the body has been neglected and has itself become unattrac- tive, you can do almost anything to it—jewel it, perfume it, deck it out ill doesn’t look right. in gorgeous clothes—and it s So it is with spiritual gifts. They are to be adornments to a well- formed character, which is the foundation for properly displaying them. We are to seek the fruit of the Spirit as a precursor to seeking the gifts of the Spirit. An important characteristic of fruit is that it grows, going through a process of development that culminates into maturity. Fruit doesn’t grow to maturity in one day; it goes through a process of devel- opment in which both internal factors (its genetic makeup) and external factors (water, soil, temperature) combine to create maturity. As Christians we go through a process of character formation in which the fruit of the Spirit grows to maturity in us. With the Holy Spirit liv- ing in us, we have the “genetic makeup” to reflect God’s nature. But ini- tial conversion does not ensure Christian maturity. We must be willing to submit patiently to and cooperate aggressively with the process of dis- cipleship, understanding that there are no shortcuts to maturity. Many times we are impatient with this process, and we seek to cut it short. I often find people seeking to achieve maturity through either magic or structure. These people are on to something real. They are seeking happiness and fulfillment in their Christian lives. But they have not yet learned to equate that fulfillment with the completion of a process of growth. 51aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY ness many of us are seeking. In fact, if we reduce Christianity to these things alone, we might totally miss the life and relationship with God that He intends for us! It is so easy for us to think of Christian faith as a religion or an organization to which we belong. The reality is that God desires a growing and dynamic relationship with us that expresses itself in love and service to others. Walking with Jesus and serving Him are serious issues. WHAT IS PERFECTION? Early in Philippians 3, the apostle Paul is warning the church in Philippi about opponents: lators of the flesh” (Philippians 3:2). These people, called Judaizers in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, were teaching the necessity of religious works to be saved, in this case, circumcision. Paul strongly objected, arguing that we are saved through faith, drawn by God’s grace. He he refers to them as dogs!—who are “muti- denies that he, or any of us, has already reached a state of perfection in our faith. A word needs to be ion is id here concerning perfection. Perfe Paul’s goal; as long as he is on earth, he said, he will strive to reach that goal (See Philippians 3:14). But what does Paul mean by perfection? The person who has “been made perfect” (Philippians 3:12) is fully- grown, mature, complete, adult—not flawlessly perfect. Perfection describes a quality relationship with God, one marked by habitual inti- macy and dependence on His grace. In fact, the Greek word translated “perfect” in Philippians 3:12 is 3:15 in the New International translated “mature” in Philippians Version. The mature person, then, is one who has made reasonable progress in his or her spiritual growth, by placing his or her faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ: “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellow- ship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10, 1). 55aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.ie WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT YOUR MONEY? “COMMITMENT IS SPELLED: M.O.N.E.Y”aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys” (Luke 12:33). “Any of you who does not give up everything he bas cannot be my disci- ple” (Luke 14:33), Jesus presents a consistently negative understanding of material wealth. Paul paints a similar picture, warning leaders that wealth has a narcotic effect on believers, capable of bringing ruin to their faith: “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and also into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs...Command those who are rich in this pres- ent world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17) There’s no question here in Paul’s mind that it is necessary for us as believers to hear warnings and instructions on money. Paul’s instruction that he gives to young Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus, was that he be forceful and direct, not mincing words when talking about money. He didn’t say, “Suggest to those who are rich...” or, “Gently remind those who are rich...” Paul said, “Command...” Therefore, there are reasons why we need to take money so seriously and with cau- tion. We need to hear what God is saying, so we can be guided and understand correctly instead of taking offense when the pastor gets up to share on finances. OWNERSHIP Just a few weeks ago a pastor in our church met with a young man who admitted that until two years ago, he gave little money to the Lord’s work. “But I didn’t know any better,” he said. “I was ignorant. Then pastor John started teaching from the Bible about money, and I learned what God expects from us.” It isn’t cnough merely to preach to people’s hearts; as a pastor, I must 63aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY ble scenario was acted out before him teaching him a profound truth. Prayer is seen as playing a vital part in the action of God bringing the two together (see Acts 10). . . The New Testament affirms | GOd responsively interacted that God does answer the prayers with them in a way that of His people. The exact way in | ghows an incredible willing- which these prayers affect God is : Hecinardils sativa ness on His part to work nowhere discussed; however, per- sonalities in Scripture such as with those whom He has Abraham, David, Jacob, Job, | chosen to have relationship. Jesus and Paul pray on numerous occasions, and Scripture demonstrates God responsively interacted with them in a way that shows an incredible willingness on His part to work with those whom He has chosen to have relationship. UNDERSTANDING OUR NEED FOR HELP Because of Adam’s fall, we find ourselves born into a fallen and sinful state, unable to help ourselves. God, through the work of Jesus, has pro- vided a way for us to move from one state to another. We have access through the Christ-Event by which we can, in a spiritual sense, move from this Present Evil Age into the Age to Come. While still living and being controlled by one Age, we have the distinct advantage of being able to request assistance from the other Age. We can communicate with the God of all Ages! That is prayer! ‘As we see in Romans 8:26-27, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weak- ness. As it is defined, weakness surely has the primary meaning of not knowing what to pray, but it also shows the stuff of which we are made. There is no place in Scripture that we can find a doctrine of man’s self- sufficiency. Left to ourselves, we are easy prey for the evil one. If we real- ly see that we are in this condition, we certainly will want prayer to be a constant practice in our lives. When we understand that God is a personal, powerful, imminent, sus- ceptible influence, and that we are weak and we need His help, we will begin seeing the value of prayer and its practice in our lives. 75.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY The request is for the Father to bring them into the sphere of the sacred, and dedicate them to holy use. THE SPIRIT, OUR INTERCESSOR I grew up in the Midwest, and one of my favorite rooms was the kitchen. When close family friends and relatives came to visit, the kitchen was the place the family would go. When God spoke to me about start- ing what now is called the Vineyard, I asked Him what kind of fellow- ship it would be. He answered by giving me a picture of the kitchen where the intimate fellowship of my family took place. We would not worship him in the parlor, which had its formality, but in the kitchen, which had its intimacy. -_ It is easy to maintain a family | We would not worship him setting when you are only twenty in the parlor, which had its strong; however, it’s little hard- | formality, but in the kitchen, cr when you are 200, and the real : ae ae ee which had its intimacy. test comes when you hit several thousand. Our growth has put our style to the test. This is one of the reasons that in the Vineyard we believe and encourage people to become involved in small groups. It is in this arena that we can remain family. The second thing that God spoke to me about during that period of time was the issue of praying in the Spirit. The church that I had been a part of did not have a belief system which would allow them to believe in, much less practice, speaking in tongues. My wife began praying in the Spirit at the conclusion of a dream in which she was delivering a seven-point sermon against speaking in tongues, and on the seventh and final point, she woke up speaking in tongues. God does have a wonderful sense of humor! We then had the difficult task of informing our friends. They were blown away by the whole idea. During the next few years, I developed a negative defensive language system trying to explain what had happened to me. Praying in the Spirit is now an essential part of my spiritual life. (See Appendix A for answers to two questions: “What is praying in the Spirit?” and “Who can pray in the Spirit?”) 79aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PRAYER Let’s look at the text in Acts 4 and how the disciples prayed. First, they reminded God of who He is (v.24); second, they reminded God of what He had done (v.24); third, they reminded God of what He had said (v.25b-26); fourth, they reminded God of the things that had happened to Jesus while He was on the earth (w.27-28); fitth, they reminded God of the threats they had received (v.29a); sixth, they made their request (v.29b-30); and seventh, there was an answer to their intercessory request (v.31). It is interesting to me that the Church today rarely prays in this man- ner. I've been in hundreds of prayer meetings and have heard all kinds of prayers from prayers for traveling mercies to unspoken requests. Those things that characterize prayer in the Church today are rarely seen in the New Testament. A glaring example is prayer for the unsaved. In the New Testament, there is hardly a text that deals with prayer for the lost. Almost all the prayer deals with the needs of the Church itself, for boldness, holiness, power, etc. ‘The first part of Acts 4 informs us that Peter and John were preach- ing that Jesus had been raised from the dead. This caused fervor among the leaders and led to their arrest, imprisonment and trial. Luke records that Peter addressed them as “Rulers” in verse 8, and Paul uses this same word in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 to speak of the “rulers of this age.” The common census of commentators is that Paul had in mind the demonic powers behind the “rulers” in this passage. There are at least two things which make me conclude that Luke may have had the same meaning behind the use of the word here in Acts 4:8. First, Luke and Paul were co-workers and certainly knew each other’s thoughts concerning mat- ters. And second, Acts was written after 1 Corinthians, and Paul could certainly have influenced Luke. If this is the case, then here in Acts 4:23- 31 we have a certified case of the Church entering into intercessory prayer because they were in the midst of spiritual warfare. So what does all this teach us? We have learned that intercession is always going on! Jesus is praying, and the Holy Spirit is praying! Jesus is praying on our behalf, and the Holy Spirit needs each of us as His instru- 83aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY The words of Jesus’ prayer are not recorded here for us, but the text tells us that after they saw Jesus pray—remember this was not the first time—they asked Him to teach them how to pray. Why would His dis- ciples ask him to teach them to pray if they had not seen the results from the prayers of Jesus? The prayer which is often called “The Lord’s Prayer” is a model for prayer. Trying to teach others how to pray with- out letting them see you pray yourself will not work effectively. Remember, the model that Jesus used for teaching was show and tell. If we want others to learn, then we must also model to them what we want to teach. Jesus not only did this with prayer; He did this with all ministry. He taught the disciples and then often demonstrated what He was teaching PRAYER FOR PETER Luke 22: 31-32 reads, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Here in the text, Luke informs us at the beginning of Chapter | The point of the sifting was 22 that Satan entered Judas, a | to find an access point, and believer and one of the Twelve. Jesus prayed that Peter's Then he shares the st f th Sf oe Eee fall would not be fatal. Last Supper. In verse 21, Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked to sift all of the disciples. The word “you” is plural. The word “asked” means “to demand the surrender of.” The background of the thought is surely Job 1:6ff The idea of sifting was to determine the good wheat from the bad weeds, and Satan wanted to sift Peter and the disciples in order to discover their weakest point, their point of surrender. The point of the sifting was to find an access point, and Jesus prayed that Peter’s fall would not be fatal. This is a true picture of a pastor’s heart. He knows his people and knows what their problems are. This enables Him to pray with some direction concerning the flock, which God has given Him to shepherd. 87aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY make us uneasy about seeing the preservation of honor as a virtue that is appropriate to God. Given the importance of this concept in the Eastern value system, it would be surprising if Jesus did not use such a quality as a prime virtue for the Father Second, this parable teaches us that we can be assured of an answer. If you are confident that you will have your needs met when you go to a neighbor in the night, how much more should you trust God to sup- ply an answer to your needs? God has committed Himself to us as fam- ily and has obligated Himself to meet our needs. The parable then teach- es us that God is a God of honor and that man can have complete assur- ance that his prayers will be heard. THE PERSISTENT WIDOW The meaning of this parable is succinctly given in verse 1: “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” This parable has two characters. The judge was cor- rupt as indicated by the statement that he did not fear God or regard man. The point was that he did not take the judgment of God serious- ly. The second character is a widow, a needy and helpless person. This lady came repeatedly to the judge with a request that he would take up her case. The widow did not want the punishment of the offend- er but payment of whatever was due to her. For a long time her pleas were in vain, and the judge was legally required to give precedence to her as a widow. He was either unwilling to do so, or did not dare because of the power of her opponent. Finally, he gave in because he feared that she would keep on coming. The parable itself has no application, but we are provided one by Jesus in the following verses (6-8). The parable is concerned with two points: 1) Will God vindicate His people? The answer of course is “Yes!” He will do so because it is His character to do so, not like the judge who was forced to act contrary to his character. 2) Will God’s people have to wait long? The answer is that God is not like the judge who had to be pestered before he gave in to the widow. He will answer soon. “Quickly” should be translated “soon,” which means that something occurs in a very short period of time. To those waiting 91aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Loon FAMILY TALK “BLOOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED”aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY himself and took on the nature of a servant in order to “give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). A willingness to serve and sub- mit to one another is the hallmark of successful Christian fam! Philippians 2:2-4) Let’s take a look at those instructions in Ephesians ies (see :22-6:4 in which instructions for wives, husbands, parents and children. Paul offers specifi Wives, Ephesians 5:22-24 says, “Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” Until the rise of the modern feminist movement in the 1960’s, Christians did not consider this a controversial or difficult passage to understand. Paul taught that the wife is to be submitted to her husband and respect him because she is one with him (see Ephesians 5:31), and the Church’s attitude toward Christ is a model for how she should sub- mit to and respect her husband Before discussing what submission means, it is important to know what it doesn’t mean. First, it doesn’t mean the wife is of lesser value than her husband. Western culture tends to equate function with per- sonal worth. But we need to look only as far as God Himself to see that submission does not mean inferiority of worth. Jesus said, “The world must know that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me” (John 14:31). Jesus was submitted to His Father in all things, and yet He was fully God: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus submitted to His Father for the sake of unity and because He loved Him. In no way did His submission make Him any less than fully God. In 1] Corinthians 11:3, Paul draws a parallel between the family of the Trinity and the human family: “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” Just as Jesus remains fully God in a submitted relationship to the Father, so wives are not any less human as they sub- mit in love to their husbands. Second, the submission of a wife to her husband is not the same as 99aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY the wrong man” idea. The man you are married to now is the right man! This is the marriage that Jesus wants to redeem. And the good news is that it doesn’t depend on the response of the husband. He can be a rot- ten husband, but you can still be a good wife by loving him! Remember what Jesus said? “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me” (Matthew 25:40). Remember, it is the Lord Jesus Christ you serve. Every Christian wife has been given the responsibility from God to love her husband as he is, not needing him to be god for her. We're not to place ourselves in the position of being critical or blaming, but instead serving our husbands in love. If you won’t serve him, whom will you serve? Because you are commanded by the Lord to submit to your hus- band, you live in the dignity of your relationship to God when you do submit willingly. Everyone submits to someone. That is the order of God. Whether it be children to parents, wife to husband, citizens to government, Jesus to the Father or all of us to God. Hebrews 5:7-8 says, “Jesus called out with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and He was heard because of his reverent submission.” What we do in our marriages has more to do with our love for Jesus than our love for our husbands. The Importance of Healthy Sexual Relations. Enough books have been written in the last several years to filla library about the discovery that women can and even do enjoy sex. With patient love and the inter- est of her husband, a woman can reach the full sexual enjoyment that God intended for her. Okay, so what about the woman whose husband has been patient, lov- ing and understanding and still the woman has trouble responding sex- ually to him? I want to tell you something about your husband. If you haven’t been loving him in an active, participating way sexually, he isn’t a very happy man. I don’t care how much his pride would make him deny it, that man feels lousy on the inside where he keeps all his male self-worth. Ladies, your husband is made so that sex is very, very important to him. He needs to know that he is a marvelous lover and that he excites you and satisfies you. 103aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY tell us otherwise, that there are certain sexual acts that are not very nice. Forget all that! It’s a lie of the devil designed to hang you both up. A Christian is the only being alive that is able to fully enjoy all the areas of love that God has given us. In the privacy of your bedroom, anything goes. This is assuming that no one has sadistic or masochistic tendencies. I won’ go into all of that; besides, in all the instances that we have coun- seled couples that are afraid they are doing something “sick” or “per- verted,” they feel guilty over perfectly natural sex acts. What I am trying to say to you is to love your husband in every and any way, and let him love you. Let him give you pleasure, too, because that’s what makes him happy. The Church is full of Christian women going around busily doing “God’s work” or so they believe. Have you ever stopped to realize that the most spiritual thing you can do is to make loye to your husband? Do you know what will happen? Your husband will become very “spiritual.” Think about it; isn’t that the way it should be? Until you are totally committed to him in every way, you aren’t going to free your emotions to do what you want them to do. By putting aside your “Okay, I’m willing, try to excite me” attitude and instead thinking about how you can best give him pleasure, you have put into process the “wheat dying to itself” principle, and you will begin to reap the wonder- fal results. So don’t worry about your emotions, whether they are good or bad; eventually they will line up according to your will. But your goal must be to love and please your husband. That really is reward enough: knowing that he is happy and knowing you're the reason behind it. In conclusion I would like to quote Mrs. Billy Graham: “You make him happy... God will make him good.” PARENTING (by John & Carol) Husbands and wives who love each other as Christ loves the Church have a sure foundation for parenthood. Loving marriages produce “good child soil,” an environment of love, security and acceptance in which their children grow. Parents’ love for their children is enhanced or diminished by how they love each other. Children want to know thataa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY After thanking Him for the indescribable privilege of being able to meet with Him like this, He gives me instruction and advice. He reminds me of the things He then promised me, and I come away full of peace. That is how I pray for them. Of course there are other times of just gratitude and worship. Second, I think it’s important that you don’t ever humiliate your chil- dren when disciplining them. Sometimes, because of our own embarrass- ment and worry about what people will think of us, we overreact or abruptly discipline our children. Take the time to pull them aside or into another room alone and talk to them at their face level. Third, it is impossible to be guileless and manipulate at the same time. Another impossible thing is to manipulate and be in God’s will. Manipulation is hell’s way to achieve something. It is anti-trust in God. Many women have tried to control their families by manipulation, espe- cially religious manipulation. It never produces godliness in the children, and it almost always produces buried rage and rebellion. Don’t use “God talk” to make your family do what you want them to do. Be real. If you want them to do something, say so. Don’t play games like pout- ing, tears or depression. It is all manipulation, trying to make something happen using your own methods. Don’t spiritualize everything. A sure way to bar your husband coming to know the Lord is by being a super- spiritual religious wife When it comes to manipulation, the issue is always control. Who will control your life and the lives around you? You? Or God? All manipula- tion involves pretense, guile, saying and doing to produce a prescribed response in another person. The word “manipulation” means “to han- dle and control with your hands.” Manipulation is acting a certain way so you will get the response you want. “If I say this, then he will say thus and so...” In Genesis 25:23, the Lord had already told Rebekah that the older son shall serve the younger. Yet she felt she needed to work that out. She was a controlling, manipulative woman, and she raised a controlling, manipulating son. If we wait for God to work things out, there is always blessing. We bring curses and anger down on our head when we manip- ulate situations. So be transparent and don’t pretend. Laeaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.BECOMING A GOOD CHURCHMAN “DANCE WITH THE ONE WHO BROUGHT YOU”aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY people, the writer to the Hebrews urges us to put ourselves in their place as prisoners and victims. This requires more than a shallow momentary sympathy. Jesus would have us experience an empathetic union with them as we actually feel their feelings as they face their situation and suf- fering. This will bring reality and compassion to our ministry to them. In addition to this advice about ministry to prisoners and victims, we should also remember John 5:19, “The Son can only do what he sees the Father is doing.” Whereas many Christians have the problem of indifference and unwillingness to minister, others have the problem of trying to respond to every need in ministry. These sincere people soon find themselves burned out because of trying to minister to every need they see. A friend once said, “Every call on the phone is not necessarily a call from God.” We need the discernment of the Holy Spirit to see which of the many needs God wants us to personally respond to. THE CALL TO COMMITMENT The gifts of the Spirit are adornments to our Christian life, adorn- ments of a loving God to His bride. They are important and precious, but peripheral. That is, they are not the main means of Christian living. Too many Christians today focus on a cosmetic view of Christianity in which they see themselves in self-improvement programs. Come to Jesus and get your marriage fixed. Come to Jesus and become prosperous. Come to Jesus and get this or that blessing or whatever thing they are looking for. We emphasize strongly to come to Jesus because He is wor- thy to be worshipped, whether or not He fixes our marriages or heals our bodi partner who for one reason or another is never going to come to Christ s or gives us new cars. We may go through life with a marriage or relate in a proper way, but Jesus is still worthy of our loyalty. The commitment call to Christ is also to the community of Christ, the Church. This means we must learn to love the people we wouldn’t nec- essary even like. This means learning to relate in community with people in a variety of settings: everything from living together in small groups to living independent of one another but interacting as community once, twice or three times a week in meetings and personal relationships. 121aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY with men, not with female dominance, not male dominance, but Christ dominance. Because of the position of priesthood that God gives to each and every believer—whether male or female, young or old, smart or not— every Christian is called to minister. God gives good gifts to equip his ministers. He calls for the Church to be a place where ministry can hap- pen, where non-Christians can sce the works and life of Jesus being lived out. Let’s be about God’s business! DEVOTED TO COMMUNITY Amazing things were happening in those first few days of Christianity. Thousands were converted in a day. Miracles were happening. The fol- lowers of Jesus—in direct conflict with the authorities—proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. Those early Christians learned some sobering lessons through the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira (God’s dis- ciplinc), the martyrdom of Stephen (total commitment) and the disper- sion of the Church (no earthly security). How did the followers of Jesus cope? Acts 2:42 gives us a glimpse of community life as it was in that day even in the midst of incredible upheaval, including spiritual revival: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread.” Why didn’t they devote themselves to the Apostles’ signs? Why didn’t they just meet to have more experiences? Because they were under the wisdom of God; they were under the tutelage of the Scripture. These converts came out of Judaism and had been taught the Word since child- hood. They had a grasp of the Word and it’s importance. So their devo- tion was focused on the Word of God! We leave room for the phenom- ena, and we've asked the Holy Spirit to come, but we've never taken the focus off the Word of God because we want to emulate the first Christians in Jerusalem: “They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching...” Being devoted to one another involves deepening your prayer life and fellowship. It means deepening your commitment and interdependence on one another. If revival doesn’t result in these behaviors—giving toaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.he Bible regularly uses the metaphors of fishing and farming to explain evangelism. Remember, Jesus wasn’t talking to people who went fishing on weekends or enjoyed a good bass tourna- ment. He was speaking to men whose survival depended on catching fish. If the fisherman didn’t catch fish on any one day, his family went hungry. Jesus’ kind of fishing meant catching fish. The people hearing Jesus clearly understood this. Jesus likened evan- gclism to being “fishers of men,” and He meant exactly what He said: catching people for the Kingdom. Jesus used the metaphor to express His heart that fishing must mean catching. Jesus also spoke of farming as a metaphor for evangelism. Again, Jesus was speaking to professional farmers. These weren’t people who kept a small vegetable garden in the backyard as a hobby. These were people whose very lives depended on bringing in a harvest. Jesus spoke of evan- gelism as fishing to emphasize the catching and farming to emphasize the harvest that would soon come. The metaphors imply an objective standard for measuring success: the number and quality of fish caught, or the amount and quality of crop harvested. If you asked a commercial fisherman on the Sea of Galilee if he had a good day, you wouldn’t hear, “Yes, you should have seen how far I threw the net. And I’m really getting good at standing up in the boat.” No, his answer would be to point to his catch. Many fish equals a good day. Jesus meant for us to catch and harvest many people with the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The goal of evangelism is not only the creation of individual disciples of Jesus; it also includes building bodies of people, the Body of Christ. God created us for fellowship. Right relationships are a part of God’s plan for our lives. Because of this corporate, or social dimension, God frequently brings clusters of people to His Kingdom all at one time. Many times we focus too much on individuals, forgetting that when one member of a family or social grouping is affected, it can result in a whole family being won. After healing the demon-possessed man in the region of the 131aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.he WHAT ABOUT HARDSHIP AND DEATH? “I'M GOIN’ TO HEAVEN! WILL | SEE YOU THERE?”aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY they were missing parts of their faces. In the first few days I was so over- whelmed by the misery of the people that was in that room that I shrank into myself. I couldn’t do anything or talk to anyone. I didn’t want to talk to anyone But as Carol and I became aware of God’s presence in that dire situ- ation, the Holy Spirit began drawing me out. We became aware that the sharing of the Word at the appropriate time could move others around us toward Christ. Sometimes our experiences don’t fit our understand- ing of what the Bible teaches. On one hand, we believe that God is sov- ereign and that He sent Jesus to commission us to pray for healing. And on the other hand, we know from experience that healing doesn’t always take place. Why would God command us to heal the sick and then choose not to back up our act [so to speak]? It can be downright discourag- ing as I learned years ago in my These very real issues own congregation when I began leavers where we months before we saw the first began: trusting God to person healed. The temptation make the sovereign was to withdraw from practicing choices for our lives. Christ’s commands or, at the to teach on healing. It was nine other extreme, to drum up a false bravado to convince God to do what we thought He ought to do. Neither posture is correct. Our part is to obey His commands and know His will; it is given in the Bible. Still, the Bible doesn’t tell us which people God will heal or not heal, and God has the sovereign choice concerning each person for whom we pray. Will He heal, or will He extend the grace for suffering instead? Or will He grant healing at a later time? These very real issues leave us where we began: trusting God to make the sovereign choices for our lives. Over the years I’ve prayed for many that were healed and many that were not including those that were my friends. I remember when I was speaking in South Africa at a large conference I was asked to go to a home of a lady that was dying of cancer. She was emaciated, weighing only 85 pounds. She had been sent home to dic. Her body was full of 141aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY had lied to the Holy Spirit. The point here is not the severity of their punishment, but the clarity of Peter’s discernment. Much training of Christian leaders tod: ital acumen or ability. Asa result, many of us are operating ina spiritu- y reflects an exclusion of spir- al kingdom without much spiritual discernment. For personal reliance on Christ and the Spirit, we substitute secular arts of leadership. But more is available to the Body of Christ because the Lord Jesus wants to lead us. Notall of us will have the same giftedness, but corporately the Church can have that same kind of spiritual discernment that we see in Scripture Our doing so is dependent on our moving away from a worldly focus into the spiritual dimension that is available to every Christian leader to operate in. APOSTOLIC (STRENGTH IN) WEAKNESS How do we learn to lead according to the New Testament model of personal dependence on the Master? Unlike the managerial and profes- sional models of leadership, the key is not mastering certain skills or accumulating knowledge. The key is humility—humble character and humble dependence on the Lord. We must understand that humble servant leadership entails weakness. In our Western world, we sce no positive association between weakness and leadership. Neither, at first, did Paul. But after asking the Lord three ficulty of the thorn in the flesh, Paul heard God say, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in times to remove the di weakness.” And so Paul wrote, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest in me” [2 Corinthians 1:9]. Frequently, God invites us to accept weakness voluntarily. For instance, we are encouraged to seek God in intercession. For people who like to take charge and make things happen, sustained intercession seems like a very weak activity. Yet, we are all called to this activity. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul tells us, “Night and day we pray most earnestly that Wwe may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith” [3:10]. 155aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.JOHN wWIMBER BB: “There is a trend among charismatics. Many are saying, ‘I see a ies lot of the talk gifts. Every Sunday, we hear almost the same prophe: from the same people. But why is it we’re not seeing the power gifts?” Would you talk to that)” John: “I think we’re dealing with three factors. One factor is this: Pentecostalism began largely on a poverty, lower-class level, although there were certainly well-educated, sophisticated people involved. Each ensuing generation has gotten better educated and better established in society. The second factor is the process toward legitimization and acceptance. What I’m saying is that you can be educated out of Pentecost. I’ve met dozens of pastors in mainline churches— Presbyterian, Methodist, and so on—and some of these people are teaching in major seminaries, whose grandparents were involved in founding Pentecostalism. But they couldn’t stay in Pentecostalism because they got educated—they grew progressively more embarrassed about their roots and more sensitized through the educational process to what was going on in the context of Pentecostal history.” “There is a third factor. Now, I’m speaking as an outsider looking in. I want Pentecostal and charismatic readers to excuse me because I’m ignorant on some points, and I may say something that is inaccurate, but it’s my observation. Across the board, within the context of fundamen- talism today—whether it’s Pentecostal, charismatic or not—there’s been a progression towards theatre. For instance, if you watch any evangelical the- telecast, there’s theatre involved. There’s music, drama, pathos. atre. The presentation, the message itself has theatrical overtones. “Now, theatre presumes the ability to control audience interest. Therefore, it eliminates the exercise of the unknown, taking of chances, reaching out for something you're not sure of, listening for the nuance of the Spirit’s breathing and speaking to you.” “People tend to prophecy similar if not the same prophecies over and over again. Why? Well, it’s become safe. As long as we do it with the proper theatre—the right pitch, the right tone, the right ‘King James- isms’ we've done something that’s acceptable.” 168aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.JOHN wWIMBER ing your prayers before you go to bed or grace over your food, or get- ting up and trying to get your body reasonably clean so you can main- tain relationships with people. You just do these kinds of things because it’s the right thing to do.” “You see, nearly anybody can put his hand on somebody and say, ‘Lord, I don’t know exactly how to pray, but please bless this person. Heal him and touch his body.’ That’s all I’m trying to get people to do. I think God will reward it powerfully.” 174aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.RESTORING FALLEN LEADERS 181aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.JOHN wWIMBER In Psalm 32, David describes the relationship between confession and forgiveness. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will con! transgressions to the Lord’—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” David couldn’t go on hiding his sin, for left unconfessed it was becoming a spiritual cancer. As David demonstrates, confession must also be to his congregation. First Timothy 5:20 says that elders are to be “rebuked publicly.” What exactly does Paul mean by a public rebuke? To rebuke is to reprimand, to scold in a sharp way; the fallen elder is told to stop his sinning...immediately. Paul also says the rebuke is to take place among people against whom the fallen leader sinned; elders have a pub- lic ministry, so they are to be corrected in public. Implicit to a public rebuke is the fallen leader's confession of grief over his sin. This passage isn’t saying a leader owes a detailed confession to the congregation, though it does raise questions about how much detail a fallen leader should reveal. Many Christians think it is inappropriate to require fallen leaders to confess their sins explicitly before their congre- gations, that somehow this invades their “right to privacy.” But leaders forfeit their right to privacy when they accept God’s call; their lives are supposed to be examples of what they teach, living testaments of God’s grace. Part of being an example is coming clean with sin. For example, Paul rebuked Peter and Barnabas publicly [Galatians 2:11-14]. And what about Nathan and David in the Old Testament [2 Samuel 12]? We know everything about these leaders, the good and the bad. God isn’t as concerned about protecting fallen leaders’ reputations as either we or they are. Confession to fellow elders must be specific and complete; they need to know details so they can determine how to approach restitution and restoration. But the congregation doesn’t need explicit detail, though the confession must clearly acknowledge the nature of the sin. If the fall- en leader is vague about his/her sin, misunderstanding and gossip may follow him the rest of his/her life True repentance is motivated by brokenness of heart and the desire to 186aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Check out other books by John Wimber from Ampelon Publishing: The Way in is the Way on by John Wimber. The Way in is the Way On is a compilation of the late John Wimber's teachings and writings on life in Christ. In classic Wimber style, he captures the heart of the reader by sharing practical applications from the Bible that result in life-changing experiences with God. To learn more, visit ampelonpublishing.com 192